Short answer: Harbor Marine winterizes and shrink wraps boats for Dahlonega owners, where the boat is stored or at our Buford shop. Engine, drive, fuel and water systems. Call or text (770) 967-8495.
Why winterizing matters more up here
Dahlonega sits in the foothills, where winter nights usually run colder than at the south end of the lake. Hard freezes are a given. Any water left in the engine block, manifolds, raw-water pump, drive or freshwater lines can freeze, expand and crack parts. Freeze damage is often found only in spring, when the boat leaks or will not run.
Winterization drains those systems or fills them with marine antifreeze, and protects the engine, fuel and batteries through the cold months.
What we do
- Drain or fill the cooling system with marine antifreeze.
- Change the oil and filter.
- Stabilize the fuel and top off the tank.
- Service the drive and change the gear oil.
- Drain and protect freshwater, sinks and heads.
- Fog the engine where the maker calls for it.
- Remove or maintain the batteries.
Barn, garage or open lot
An unheated barn or garage keeps off rain and snow but still freezes. An open lot adds wind, rain, leaves and snow load. Tell us where the boat will spend winter, and we plan the job to fit. Outdoor boats need shrink wrap or a well-supported cover.
Shrink wrap
Shrink wrap is a plastic film heated to fit tightly around the boat. Built over a frame so water and light snow slide off, with vents to let moisture out, it keeps the boat dry and clean all winter.
Batteries in the cold
A flat battery can freeze and crack. Either remove the batteries and store them somewhere above freezing, or keep them on a marine maintainer. Charged batteries handle cold far better.
Keep critters out
A quiet boat in a barn is an invitation for mice. Close up openings, remove food, and consider deterrents. Check the engine bay and wiring before the first spring start.
Timing
Cold comes earlier in the hills. Book early in the fall so the work is done before the first hard freeze. If a cold snap comes first, call and we will talk through quick steps to protect the boat.
What affects winterization
Pricing is set when you call for a quote. These are the things that change the size of the job:
- Engine and drive type and count.
- Water systems on board.
- Whether you want shrink wrap.
- Where the boat will be stored.
What freezes first
Raw-water pumps, strainers, manifolds and sink and shower lines hold small amounts of water and freeze first. Winterization drains them or fills them with marine antifreeze.
Snow load
Snow and ice are more likely in the hills. A shrink wrap or cover needs a good frame so weight does not collect and tear it or stress the boat.
Spring recommissioning
When the weather warms, we reverse the winter work: charge and reconnect batteries, check fluids, refill water systems, look for chewed wiring and run the engine with cooling water to check for leaks. Then the boat is ready for the trip down to the lake.
Book early
Cold comes sooner in the hills. Call in September or early October to get on the schedule before the first hard freeze, and to plan any winter repairs at the shop. If the boat is still at the lake, we can winterize it there before it comes home, or at the shop if it is heading in for repairs anyway. Either way, the goal is a boat that is fully protected before the first cold night in the hills.
Related and nearby
Winter is a good time for drive repair in Dahlonega. A detail in Dahlonega before wrapping keeps dirt from setting in.
Down the Chestatee toward the lake, we offer winterization in Gainesville and in Cumming. Boats kept in the water are covered on our winterization on Lake Lanier page, and our shop sits in Buford. For everything we do for mountain owners, see boat repair in Dahlonega. The main service page has the full process, or you can reach us here.